Zebroid: The Zebra Hybrid Comes in Many Different Varieties

Zebroids are Zebra hybrids. It is a general term used for any hybrid between a zebra and any other equine. The resulting offspring often looks like the non-zebra parent and usually has striping along it's legs and sometimes it's entire body. It is of a better shape to ride then a zebra, which is one of the reasons it is bred. However, sometimes such breeding happens on accident.

The Zorse

The zorse is the offspring of a male zebra and a female. This occurs often, easily, and sometimes without meaning to. Sometimes hebras are created, which have a male horse for a father and a female zebra for a mother. This combination is harder to achieve and therefore rarer. They are often bred for scientific research with genetics. In addition to that they are sought after for riding. They are a better shape then a zebra, but are often difficult to handle. Zorses should never be owned or ridden by novices because of their strength and their tendencies toward aggression.

Usually the zebra is bred with a solid colored horse making it a stripped horse. The zebra stripes will show up on all of the solid color background. Every now and again they will be bred (or breed) with horses that have white and black, or white and another color. The stripes will show up on the color, but not on the white leaving the beast with white patches and striped patches.

The Zonkey

The zonkey has many names including such things as zeedonk, zebrass, and zenkey. This hybrid isn't as common as that of the zorse, however several zoos have created such hybrids. Additionally Darwin reported such hybrids back to 1815.

The Zony

The zony is a cross between a zebra and a pony. There have been several pairings between zebras and ponies of different types. The zebra has even bred with smaller ponies including the Shetland pony making the Zetland. These animals were bred a lot during the South African War to be used as transport animals. They have broader backs and are great for riding (as long as the zebras are bred with larger ponies).

Zebroids are becoming more and more popular. Their use as work animals has increased in many places, as has the visitor appeal in seeing these beautiful and unusual animals. Additionally there are many equine personalities who desire to see more and more of these animals. Often they present a challenge having more aggressive personalities then either the horse or the donkey. Additionally there are many who hope to see this hybrid in the competition ring for it's beautiful and unique coloring.